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The study is part of an "Integrated Project of Excellence (PIE)" subsidized by the Carlos III Institute, and is aimed at patients with encephalitis mediated by antibodies against the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) that are in the recovery phase. Anti-NMDAR encephalitis is a serious but potentially curable autoimmune disease that has a slow recovery (between 5 and 36 months). The cause of this slow recovery is unknown, but up to 25% of patients present important and sometimes irreversible cognitive deficits. With the aim of improving knowledge of the disease, improving its treatment, and accelerating clinical recovery, this study tracks patients for a period of two years. During the first year there is an initial visit and three follow-up at 3, 6 and 12 months, and then a final visit at 24 months. Each visit includes a general neurological examination, neuropsychological tests, EEG, functional magnetic resonance that is performed together with memory exercises, and a sleep study for which the patient sleeps one night in the hospital. It facilitates the transport and accommodation of patients and a family member living outside of Barcelona. The study does not include invasive tests except for a blood draw. The inclusion criteria are:

Anti-NMDAR encephalitis confirmed, in the recovery phase.

Age between 15 and 45 years.

Availability to travel to the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona (transport and accommodation facilitated by the study).

Patients who are in the recovery phase, family members of patients who are in the acute phase of the disease or responsible physicians can contact to obtain more information about the study or schedule a first visit (after the patient is given discharge of the hospitalization) through the following address:

Testimonials

My name is Mauren Rivera Serrano, I am 21 years old and I am a student in Industrial Design Engineering at the Universidad del Tecnológico de Costa Rica. I suffered from Autoimmune Encephalitis due to the Neurexin 3- Alpha antibody and now I am completely recovered.